“It’s a fantastic achievement and a great reflection of everyone at the school. We have consistently maintained these high standards over a number of years and that is acknowledged by this report.”

Inspectors, who sat in on lessons, spoke to students and met with teaching staff, governors and the local authority, noted that GCSE results for every year since the previous inspection in 2013 exceeded the national average.

Pupils were praised for ‘excellent attitudes to learning’ and ‘impeccable manners’ under the ‘uncompromising leadership of the head teacher and his senior leaders.’

This was matched by school’s governors who impressed Ofsted with their commitment to the progress of all pupils including the disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The school’s commitment to its 1,000 plus pupils who were described as ‘unfailingly polite and courteous’, included an enrichment programme preparing older pupils for apprenticeship, employment and university

Peter Norrie, Chair of Governors for Rutlish School, said: “An Ofsted award of its highest possible outstanding judgement for Rutlish School reflects the enormous and continuing effort put in by our first class head teacher and his truly dedicated staff over a number of years.

“Parents entrust the education of their sons to our excellent, non-selective, non-Academy, local authority comprehensive school, and I hope that they are as pleased and proud as we are on this resounding affirmation of the quality of education and pastoral care their boys receive.”

Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Education, added: “Merton schools are amongst the best in the country with our secondary schools rated 10th nationally for Progress 8 last year.

“It is absolutely right that this is reflected in this excellent outcome for Rutlish School. My congratulations go to all staff and pupils and to the head teacher and the governors for this ‘outstanding‘ judgement.”